Risk Factors and Risilience for Depressive Illness Among Children Hospitalised in Kenyatta National Hospital,Kenya

Abstract

Depression is a common (prevalence 12.9%), debilitating disease and the 3rd major contributor to Global Burden of disease, with greater incidence (41.3 to 63%) in children with physical illness. Various factors are associated with depression in the physically sick child, and they exert their influence at three levels which are personal biological, relational (family and friends), and contextual domains. In employing holistic approach to disease management, studies in Kenya have demonstrated prevalence and to some extend risk factors in childhood depression. However, they were not able to show resilience associations in these children. This study sought to fill this gap which is needed in formulation of effective interventions to reduce the disease burden. Factors that correlate with childhood depression, whether positively or negatively were studied at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The study made use of descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting 80 children. Data was collected using a researcher designed questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic characteristics, self- administered Child Depression Inventory to assess for depressive illness and Child and Youth Resilience Measure that assessed the capital within the child’s reach that can build their protection against depression. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables and figures. The proportion of depression among hospitalized children was high, at 30.8%, with a high resilience capital at 83%, and resilience correlated inversely with depression. The older the child and the longer the illness duration, the higher the depression scores. There are many resilience factors available for children. However, there are gaps in employing more holistic approach in diagnostics to capture this illness as well as providing ideal hospital and community environment for children. Findings from the study are useful for KNH and Kenya to improve child mental programs in the hospital as well as the community